City inspectors reported more than 700 building-code violations — ranging from unsanitary bathrooms and soiled carpet to parking-lot potholes and lack of working smoke detectors in rooms — after their latest return to the Bel-Aire Motel.

The most recent troubles come a year after the city levied $114,600 in fines for 382 violations first reported in 2011. Owner Gopal Motwani, who lives in Florida, challenged the fines as exceeding limits allowed by city ordinance. The case is pending in Sangamon County Circuit Court.

City building department manager John Sadowski said Monday that violations were found throughout the two-story, 80-unit motel at 2636 S. Sixth St. Rooms are rented by the day, week and month, according to court filings.

“We did an initial inspection, and that's when we decided we needed to go back,” Sadowski said.

As with last year's fines, the city plans to seek penalties in administrative court.

Motwani said in a phone interview Monday he was not aware of the most recent complaints. He said he has tried to respond as quickly as possible, but that the cold winter slowed repair work. Motwani said he also plans to step up efforts to sell the property.

“We have done all the repairs every time they asked,” said Motwani. “Believe me, I am concerned. I have done so much there.”

Motwani said he typically charges $158 per week or $450 per month per room.

Motwani said he plans to erect for-sale billboards on the property. “I'm trying to sell it all the time,” he said.

The city considered the property as the site of a Route 66 visitor center and museum during the administration of the late Mayor Tim Davlin, but there was no funding for the project. The 1960s-era Bel-Aire was a popular stop on Route 66 in its heyday.

City officials and Bel-Aire residents said repairs have been made but that new problems occur almost as quickly in the decades-old building.

“I'm looking for something permanent so I can get out of here,” said Chris Sebesta, who has lived at the Bel-Aire for about a month.

Sebesta said he came to Springfield from Detroit to be near family. He and his fiancee, Mary Canallero, share a lower-level apartment. The couple said they have had repeated problems with plumbing, windows and doors, and carpeting.

But Sebesta said, at the moment, he and Mary try to live quietly at the Bel-Aire as they have no place else to go.

“We try not to cause trouble,” Sebesta said.

Drew Caruso said he has lived at the Bel-Aire for seven months and that he, too, has no other housing options at this point.

“I help with the repairs,” said Caruso, adding that he originally is from Athens. “I've helped put in new sinks and cabinets, and helped put new seals on doors.”

Page 2 of 2 - The 2013 court challenge claims the city exceeded a $50,000 limit on fines for building-code violations, and that building-code ordinances were vague on definitions such as “good condition,” sound condition” and “in good repair.”

Attorneys for the city argued the $50,000 limit is per violation and that the minimum $300 per violation was sought for “ongoing and persistent” problems at the Bel-Aire. They said Motwani also was given ample notice to fix the violations.

Deep Rootz, an indoor-gardening and supply center, opened in February at 2641 1/2 S. Sixth St., just across the busy corridor from the Bel-Aire.

Co-owner Jon Leonard said Monday the business has had no significant problems with Bel-Aire residents.

“We were concerned at first about even putting the business here,” Leonard said.

He said the shop is working on landscaping and improvements on the frontage property, but that the entire area needs attention.